We accumulated enough dirty clothes to try the washer and dryer in the terrace laundry room.  All went well except the dryer took several attempts to get things actually dry.  While we waited for the laundry we had our standard breakfast: still enjoying La Vie pastries, fruit, yogurt, etc.  Unfortunately, I've succumbed to one of the traveling risks: I've developed a pretty nasty cold probably from having sat next to a coughing Japanese lady on the plane. So our first stop out the door was to a local Farmacia where I found some Vicks 44 and cough drops.  

    We returned to the Mercado Hidalgo to continue looking for momentos we can easily pack home in a nice bolsa (bag) that Paula found at one of the many stalls.  Stopped by one of the dozens of small cafes that are spread throughout the city for coffee and more pastries!  Have to replenish those calories we're burning from all the steps. 

    After a refreshing nap and the help of Vicks 44, we relaxed in our apartme
nt until leaving for dinner.  The reports about a place called "Dalila Ristorante" did not disappoint. In addition to being very beautifully decorated with interesting art, the place was very inviting and their menu has great variety: Italian home made  pasta dishes, Mexican traditional plates and a great choice of pizzas.  We chose the latter, ordering a pizza called "Il Tradimento" with seasoned pork, avocado, cheese, bacon, carmelized onions and rich sauce. If you're wondering about prices, by the way, our dinner with two beers and a pretty large pizza (we had to bring half home) cost 560 pesos or about $30.00. By comparison we had lunch in Dallas airport that cost $86.00!

    We checked out the subterranean tunnels on the way back to the apt. and saw some dancers from Vera Cruz who were performing on a stage set up where normally traffic flows under the city. These tunnels were originally constructed to alleviate flooding and were conduits for water. After the construction of the dam ("La Presa de la Olla" constructed between 1741--1749) the water ways became a clever underground traffic easement.  Other booths and vendors were already set up in the tunnels for the Los Muertos celebration which gets started in earnest tomorrow with a parade at noon. There will be parades for the next three days!

A dragon-perro fire breathing creature in a pasture of marigolds ( or "cempasuchil" the Aztec word for it--pronounced "sem-pa-SHOO-shil")

Paula is sitting next to a wall in the restaurant which is crafted from recycled pieces of wood

Incredible beauty of houses built on walls of tunnels

Paula being attacked in subterranean tunnel

One of many "Catrinas," figurines representing the dead that are everywhere in the city during the celebration

Another Catrina

An artist's impression of the original Biblical Delilah ("Dalila" in Spanish) the restaurant's namesake

Some of Vera Cruz dancers with Dino